AIP TRAVEL CV-m1157-V Inscrita en el Registro Mercantil de Valencia, Hoja V-129066, Folio 200, Tomo 8887, Libro 6173

Morocco is a land that has enticed people for centuries, and for many different reasons. For some, Morocco means covered markets, streets striped with sunlight filtered through lattice roofing and stalls bright with fine carpets and copper trays. Others see people chatting over steaming glasses of mint tea or great bowls of Moroccan couscous. Just be aware that the combination of heat, dust and spicy can be overwhelming at times. No matter how well-seasoned a traveler you are, you will find plenty to see and do: desert excursions, sunset camel rides, and towering sand dunes. The country remains Africa's most popular travel destination.

Morocco's location has dictated its history: Every major European power (including the Romans) felt the necessity to control the mouth of the Mediterranean at one time or another - and left its mark. Following centuries of Moorish rule, Morocco became a protectorate of France in the early 20th century; it gained independence in 1956. Spain, which administered the Saharan zone, withdrew from that territory in 1975, although the ports of Ceuta (Sebta) and Melilla on the north coast are still administered by Spain.

VALENCIA - MARRAKECH ( 1.400 KM - 870 Miles ) TIME TBA MEETING POINT - TBA

Departure towards Morocco. Once in destination, time to fill in country entry form. Passport check-up. Private transfer to hotel.

Morocco offers some of the most fantastic scenery in the world. The Atlas Mountains, the "throats" and gorges of the high country, desert dunes that stretch on for miles and small ancient Berber villages that are carved into this awesome landscape. This trip takes in some of the best southern villages and little towns, beautiful mountain and desert scenery as well as visits to cosmopolitan cites such as Fez and Marrakech … Our journey provides students a tailor made tour with your own driver, allowing you to explore at your own pace and for your own interests.

AIP TRAVEL CV-m1157-V Inscrita en el Registro Mercantil de Valencia, Hoja V-129066, Folio 200, Tomo 8887, Libro 6173

AIT BENHADDOU - TODRA GORGES - MERZOUGA ( 330 KM - 205 Miles )

The Todra Gorges are among the most dramatic sights you can get across in Morocco. The cut through the mountain gives at some points only a 10 metre wide passage beneath 300 meters walls. The sun only accesses the bottom of the gorge, where is to be found an ice-cold crystal clear river running through it. We will continue to Erfoud, at the edge of the vast Sahara desert. Just 50 Km south is located the tiny village of Merzouga and the nearby Erg Chebbi dunes, a strikingly strange natural formation.

MERZOUGA - AZROU ( 440 KM - 273 Miles )

Wake up early because camels will be waiting for us !! Be a silent witness of the sunrise in the biggest dune around our tents. Right after breakfast and in order to get out Erg Chebbi, we will have to pass through one of the flattest areas you could imagine ( the so called Black Desert ). For several kilometres there is nothing but small, black stones spread on the ground evenly. When the sun shines, a strong reflection comes from the stones further away, so that you won't really believe your eyes when you suddenly see a camel or a man. We will head to Meknes passing by Rissani which is very much like what you find in villages near the Nile in Egypt, in terms of building styles, number of inhabitants, heat and nature. There are small canals running between heavily populated villages which all seem to be at least 50 years behind the development of the rest of Morocco.

On the top of the flattest area you could imagine, suddenly a long mountain of sand rises. This mountain is surrounded by flat and desolate nature on all sides, and you could end up wondering if it really is real. But so it is. Climb to the top of a nearby dune, then a magical landscape which deserves the whole trip will be waiting there for you. The dunes themselves are awesome, changing colours at different times of the day. Accommodation in Berber tents located at the edge of the dunes.

MARRAKECH - DADES VALLEY - AIT BENHADDOU

( 190 KM - 118 Miles )

Breakfast. Probably one of Marrakech highlights is the Djemaa el Fna Square, an experience in itself. It is a market scene straight out of the movies, with snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and storytellers. Visit the market by day, but also return at night when it is filled with gas lit restaurant stalls. It feels great to enjoy a Moroccan meal in the open air, sitting alongside local citizens wearing colorful jelabbas (gown like garments). Late in the morning, during your free time we recommend that you spend as much time as possible in the souks (markets) and the bazaar, one of the most interesting in Morocco. It has dye areas, exotic fragrances, hundreds of stalls and shops. Be prepared for some high-pressure sales tactics. If bargaining is not your game, you will learn soon! Departure from Marrakech. In the afternoon we drive south to Ouarzazate, passing through the stunning Tizi n Tichka port located at 2260 meters above sea level at the very heart of the High Atlas Mountains. We will continue heading to the famous Ait Benhaddou kasbah, where movies such as “Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade” and “Gladiator” were filmed. This kasbah is considered as one of the most exotic and best preserved in the whole Morocco. It is not surprising because this scenery has been used for not less than 20 different films!!

AIP TRAVEL CV-m1157-V Inscrita en el Registro Mercantil de Valencia, Hoja V-129066, Folio 200, Tomo 8887, Libro 6173

Included

� Flights round trip Spain-Morocco � Hostel ( 5 or 6 nights ) in multiple rooms � Half board ( daily breakfast & dinner ) � Guided tour in Fes � Jeeps at the desert � Private transportation while in Morocco � Sunset camel ride in the Sahara � Travel Insurance

AZROU - FES ( 90 KM - 55 Miles )

Arrival to Fez and tour around the city. We will explore the oldest of the Imperial Cities declares as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To give you an idea of how old Fez is, the "new town" dates back to 1276 while the city was originally founded in 789 BC. Three separate towns make up Fez: the two ancient walled areas - Fez el Bali (old town) and Fez el Jedid (new town) - and the more modern, French-built Ville Nouvelle. Fez el Bali is a formidable maze, and several days could be spent exploring the narrow, winding alleys and admiring the exceptional architecture. Once inside, explore the universities, stroll by the pits where fabric is dyed, watch the coppersmiths and walk past the tanning yards. The city has taken good care of its old architectural structures and is also very much a living city, where most streets are to narrow for cars so donkeys and mules are in common use. Just like all through its history, Fez el Bali has a striking combination of poverty and developed culture. Nothing appears to have changed for centuries. While life forms could appear to be crude and primitive to visitors, it is all tested organic structure that has survived more than 1000 years of history!!

FES – VALENCIA ( 1.100 KM – 683 Miles )

Breakfast. Transfer from hotel to airport. Check-in and departure towards Valencia.

End of tour and our services.

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Please note there is a minimum of students needed in order to arrange such a special trip.